1 Killed, At Least 21 Wounded In Shooting Near Kansas City Chiefs Victory Parade
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At least one person was killed and 21 others suffered gunshot wounds during a Wednesday parade in Kansas City, Missouri, celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, according to city officials.
Eight of the victims are facing immediate life-threatening injuries, while officials described seven additional victims with non-immediate life-threatening injuries.
“This is a day that a lot of people look forward to, something they remember for a lifetime,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in the shooting’s aftermath. “And what they shouldn’t have to remember is the threat of gun violence.”
Each of the Chiefs’ players, along with the coach and staff, have been accounted for, according to a police press conference.
The deceased victim is Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ for Kansas City radio station KKFI, her employer confirmed. She hosted a show called “Taste of Tejano.”
“This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community,” the station said.
People flee after shots were fired near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade.
Area hospitals said they were treating dozens of victims, some with gunshot wounds and some with other injuries.
Children’s Mercy Hospital told HuffPost that they are “treating 12 patients from the rally. Eleven are children. Nine have gunshot wounds.”
The hospital later confirmed with ESPN that its patients were between the ages of 6 and 15 and that all are expected to recover.
Twelve individuals were taken to University Health Truman Medical Center, a spokesperson for the medical center told HuffPost. Eight of the victims are from Union Station, with two of them in critical condition. The other four have non-gunshot injuries.
Saint Luke’s Hospital received one gunshot patient and three other victims who are minors with non-life-threatening injuries, the hospital confirmed to HuffPost.
The three minors’ injuries were obtained as attendees were “fleeing the shooting at the parade,” the hospital added.
“Our investigators are working with all of the surviving victims to connect them with loved ones. We are also working to identify our deceased victim so we can notify their family as soon as possible,” Police Chief Stacey Graves shared at a separate press conference.
“I’m angry at what happened today,” she added. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
People take cover during the shooting.
According to police, three suspects were taken into custody. At a press conference, they noted there was at least one firearm. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
In security plans released ahead of the parade, the Chiefs promised that the “perimeter of the parade will be firmly secured and protected for maximum public safety.” It’s unclear if the shooting happened within the secured area. The security plan provided no indication of bag checks or metal detectors on the premises.
When asked how such a tragedy could unfold with 800 officers present, Lucas dipped his toe into the gun control debate, saying it’s incredibly easy for someone to carry out an attack like this.
“What you saw happen was why people talk about guns a lot,” he said. “We had over 800 officers there staffed, situated all around Union Station today. We had security in any number of places, eyes on top of buildings and beyond. And there is still a risk to people.”
“Parades, rallies, schools, movies ― it seems like almost nothing is safe,” he continued.
Missouri has some of the nation’s loosest gun restrictions and one of the highest gun death rates in the country. Since 2017, it has allowed people to carry concealed, loaded firearms in public ― no background check or permit required.
“When you have people who decide to bring guns to events, when you have people who are deciding to try to mar events, celebratory ones like this one, all of us start to become members of this club that none of us want to be a part of, which is those who have experienced mass shootings,” Lucas said, noting he was at the parade with his family members.
“I’m incredibly upset, disappointed. I was there with my wife, was there with my mother. We never thought ... we’d be forced to run for our safety today,” he added.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said that she attended the parade, but was evacuated and unharmed.
At the end of the Chiefs rally, shots were fired near Union Station. I have been evacuated and am out of harm's way. I encourage everyone to follow instructions and updates from @kcpolice. Please stay safe.
— Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) February 14, 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement condemning the shooting.
“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the statement said.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City,” the statement added.
Chiefs players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and linebacker Drue Tranquill, posted in support of the victims at the parade.
Mahomes said he was “praying” for the city, while Tranquill asked his followers to join him in praying for the victims.
Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act.
Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.— Drue Tranquill (@DTranquill) February 14, 2024
President Joe Biden offered his condolences to those affected by the shooting on Wednesday evening, saying the tragedy “cuts deep in the American soul.”
“The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America. Nothing brings more of us together,” Biden said in a statement. “And the celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings a joy that can’t be matched to the winning team and their supporters.”
“Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting,” he added, renewing his calls for gun control measures. “What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?”
Last year’s event in Kansas City drew 1 million people, but the number of attendees for this year’s parade has not yet been determined.
The Chiefs won 25-22 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
Sanjana Karanth and Nick Visser contributed reporting.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
People flee after shots were fired near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jamie Squire via Getty Images
People take cover during a shooting at Union Station during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jamie Squire via Getty Images
Law enforcement and medical personnel respond to a shooting at Union Station during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on Wednesday.
Jamie Squire via Getty Images
People take cover during the shooting at the Super Bowl victory parade on Wednesday.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
First responders tend to an injured person as they bring her out of Union Station near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on Wednesday.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
A police officer responds after reports of shots fired at the victory parade.
Jamie Squire via Getty Images
Law enforcement and medical personnel tend to a victim at the scene.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Police respond after shots were fired at the parade. Multiple people were injured in the shooting on Wednesday.
